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Pine Martin: Martes Martes.

Ireland's most elusive land mammal, it was probably far more widespread in Irish Woodlands but loss of its natural habitat combined with persecution by gamekeepers forced it to retreat to rocky and remote areas west of the Shannon. It is suggested that it was introduced to Ireland by the Vikings and that it is probably the 'cat' referred to in Irish poetry and placenames. Cat Crainn (tree cat) suggests the pine martin is quite at home in the branches where it is capable of catching a squirrel in a tree and often robs nests of their eggs and chicks. On open ground it darts around with zig-zag movement tracing potential prey by scent.

An omnivore - the menu might include earthworms, beetles, frogs, lizards, bees, earwigs, snails, small mammals, birds and their eggs, berries, nuts and crab apples. The scrubland is more attractive habitat than mature woodland. The largest males may weight up to 1.5kg, its length may reach 53Omm. The female's length is 45Omm.

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